Jan Beitohaugen Granli won last year’s national folk-music competition, Landskappleiken, and is hailed as something of a future icon for contemporary Norwegian fiddling. Granli’s solo playing is so energetic and intense he can rival almost any form of expression in terms of pure power and energy.

Granli’s playing is characterised by an intense, honest and hypnotic feel – somewhat raw in nature, but still sincere and absolutely captivating. The natural sonorous qualities of his playing are derived from his instrument – a fiddle brought to life by a pair of skilled hands. Granli is a master of traditional dances - much a tribute to his mentors Knut Bolstad and Olav Jørgen Hegge.

Granli’s musicality can be traced to his ancestors out of whom many were respected players. Granli continues this family tradition, and is despite his young age a seasoned performer who enjoys conveying a rich musical heritage. Currently, Jan Beitohagen Granli is also a student at the Ole-Bull academy at Voss where he devotes his attention to further studies of Norwegian traditional music. Prior to his studies at the Ole-Bull academy, Granli spent two years studying folk music at the Academy of Rauland in Telemark.

Granli’s expression varies from the lyrical and hushed to the intense and raw, offering something for any listener’s taste.